Sheriff fires off letter to Feinstein on gun control

"The central target of your proposed bill -- the AR-15 series platform -- is probably the most prolific rifle platform in our country today," he said. "It is enormously popular because it is 'uniquely American,' modular, adaptable for the size and sex of the user, and is capable of multiple uses: hunting, competition, recreational shooting and self-defense."

Because the rifles are expensive, Sniff said, it is "relatively rare" for law enforcement officers to come across them in the field. He said they run across people with smaller, concealable firearms much more often.

"The AR-15 series semi-automatic rifle is literally a modern American 'musket,'" Sniff said. "And that is evidenced by the massive panic buying going (on) today as a result of your proposed bill and still others at the state level."

Sniff also took exception to Feinstein's proposal to ban some shotguns that he said should be available to the general public for hunting and recreation.

In last week's news release, Feinstein sought to portray her legislation as widely supported by law enforcement officials.

“The wide range of groups and individuals standing behind the Assault Weapons Ban speaks to the commonsense nature of this bill," she said. "The American public is behind this bill, doctors are behind it, teachers, law enforcement, religious leaders, mayors -- it’s time for Washington to follow suit.”